It is that time of the week. You are staring at your remote, scrolling through the guide, and wondering exactly where the Blue and White ended up this time. Tracking down the right channel for a Penn State game used to be simple—you just checked ABC or the Big Ten Network. But things have changed. With the Big Ten's massive media rights deal and the arrival of West Coast teams like UCLA and USC, the "where to watch" question is getting complicated.
Finding out what network is Penn State game on isn't just about flipping channels anymore; it’s about knowing which streaming app to open.
The Short Answer: Where is the Penn State Game Today?
Right now, if you are looking for the next major matchup, you need to check a few specific spots. For Thursday, January 15, 2026, the focus shifts from the gridiron to the court and the ice.
The Nittany Lions men's volleyball team is hosting St. Thomas Aquinas at 7:00 PM ET. This one is typically found on B1G+, the conference's dedicated streaming platform. If you were looking for the men's basketball team, they just wrapped up a battle against UCLA on FS1. Looking ahead to the weekend, the big ticket is Penn State Wrestling vs. Iowa on Friday, January 16. That massive dual meet is scheduled for the Big Ten Network (BTN) at 7:00 PM ET.
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Football Broadcasts: The Big Three (Plus One)
Football is where things get really wild. Since we are in the 2026 cycle, the schedule is a mix of high-profile national slots and streaming-only exclusives. Penn State football games are split between four primary "partners."
FOX and FS1
FOX is the "A" partner. If it's a "Big Noon Kickoff" game, you are going to find it here. They love the atmosphere at Beaver Stadium. Smaller matchups or late-night West Coast road trips often land on FS1.
CBS and Paramount+
CBS took over the 3:30 PM ET window that used to belong to the SEC. When Penn State plays a mid-afternoon marquee game, it’s almost always on CBS. You can also stream these live on Paramount+ if you have the right tier.
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NBC and Peacock
This is the one that trips people up. NBC has the "Big Ten Saturday Night" slot. If the Nittany Lions are playing under the lights, check NBC. However, keep in mind that the Big Ten deal requires some games to be exclusive to Peacock. You won't find those on your local NBC affiliate at all.
Big Ten Network (BTN)
The old reliable. BTN still carries a huge chunk of the schedule, especially the non-conference games against teams like Marshall or Buffalo (both on the 2026 slate).
Watching Without Cable: Streaming Options
Honestly, if you have cut the cord, you have actually got it pretty easy, provided your internet is stable. You don't need a traditional box to find out what network is Penn State game on.
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- Fubo: This is probably the best for sports fans because it carries every local affiliate (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC) plus BTN and FS1. It feels the most like "real" TV.
- YouTube TV: Very similar to Fubo. It has the Big Ten Network and all the majors. It’s also generally better at DVR-ing the games so you can skip the commercials later.
- Hulu + Live TV: Includes the same channel lineup and throws in ESPN+, which is occasionally handy for other Penn State sports like hockey or baseball.
- Peacock: You basically have to have this now. At least one or two football games a year are locked behind the Peacock paywall.
Why is it so Hard to Find the Game?
It’s all about the money. The Big Ten signed a deal worth billions. To pay that off, they spread the games across as many platforms as possible. This forces fans to subscribe to multiple services. It's frustrating, but it's the reality of modern college sports.
Another factor is the "Selection Window." Networks often don't announce the specific channel or kickoff time until 6 or 12 days before the game. They wait to see which teams are winning so they can put the best matchups in the primetime slots.
Actionable Tips for Nittany Lion Fans
- Download the GoPSUSports App: This is the official source. They update the "Watch" links faster than Google does.
- Check the "B1G+" Schedule: For "niche" sports like gymnastics, soccer, or volleyball, B1G+ is the only way to watch. It requires a separate subscription from the Big Ten Network you get on cable.
- Antenna Power: If the game is on FOX, CBS, or NBC, a cheap $20 over-the-air antenna will get you the game in high definition for free. No streaming lag.
- Confirm the Time Zone: With teams like Washington and Oregon in the mix now, "night games" might start at 10:00 PM ET if the Lions are playing on the coast.
Next time you are hunting for the channel, start with the kickoff time. If it’s noon, start with FOX. If it’s 3:30, check CBS. If it’s night, look at NBC. Everything else usually falls to BTN or FS1.
Keep your apps updated and your fridge stocked. We are heading into a busy spring season for Penn State athletics, and the broadcast landscape isn't getting any simpler.